Candidates line up for Terrebonne Parish president's seat

Saturday

Jan 25, 2014 at 10:25 PM

Though more than a year away, candidates are gearing up for the next Terrebonne Parish president's election.

Mary KilpatrickStaff Writer

Though more than a year away, candidates are gearing up for the next Terrebonne Parish president's election.Incumbent Michel Claudet will have served two consecutive terms at the end of 2015, the maximum allowed under the parish's Home Rule Charter.State Rep. Gordy Dove and Parish Councilman Danny Babin, both Houma Republicans, said they will run for parish president.Dove, first elected in 2003, will reach the maximum three consecutive terms allowed by state law and can't run for re-election as state representative in 2015.“I've lived in Terrebonne Parish all my life, and I know what problems Terrebonne is facing, from drainage problems to the Morganza-to-the-Gulf, to barrier islands, to coastal restoration to education,” he said.

Babin, owner of a local shrimp processing business, is a first-term councilman who represents parts of the Dularge, Grand Caillou, Dulac and Bayou Black communities.“People have a tendency that because you're running for parish president you think there's everything wrong with what's happening, and that's not the case,” Babin said. “My main thoughts are to take what we have and continue. Michel Claudet is term-limited, and someone has to follow him.”

Councilwoman Arlanda Williams, a Houma Democrat, said she hasn't made a decision but is considering entering the race for parish president.The second-term councilwoman who represents neighborhoods in Houma, Gibson, Donner and Schriever.“I am seriously thinking about it,” Williams said. “It's no secret that I have an interest in service to this parish.”One candidate you won't see on the ballot for parish president is Sheriff Jerry Larpenter. He lost a bid for the parish president's office in 2007 to Claudet and said he plans to run for re-election as sheriff next year.

Other possible contenders include Tri-Parish Times Publisher Darrin Guidry.“I have not yet made a decision,” Guidry, a Houma Republican, said. “It's something I'm not ruling out.”The parish president's race will be on a ballot that will include Louisiana governor and local legislative races. The primary election is scheduled for Oct. 24, 2015, with runoffs, if necessary, Nov. 21. Candidates will sign up, or qualify, Sept. 8-10, 2015.